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BELLE Vue have pulled off the signing of seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls for the 2014 campaign.Nicholls joins the Manchester club after a two-year stint with parent club Coventry and will link up with fellow Aces newcomer Richie Worrall next season.CEO David Gordon said: “We’re truly excited to have Scott at Belle Vue. His experience, his enthusiasm, and the way he operates in the pits and how he communicates with the team will be both valuable and beneficial.“We’ve wanted to bring that British element to the club for some time, and we’re delighted to be in such a position as to have both Scott and Richie, two fabulous British riders, with us in 2014.”(SPEEDWAY 2)
POOLE have named play-off hero Josh Grajczonek as their first confirmed signing for next season.The 23-year-old Australian made a big impression after joining the Pirates midway through the 2013 campaign, and scored a crucial paid-28 points in their Elite League Grand Final win over Birmingham.Promoter Matt Ford said: “Anyone who witnessed Josh’s commitment to the club when he joined us will know that he has done more than enough to prove that he has the ability to be truly competitive at the top level.“I made it a priority to put him on my ‘A list’ of wanted riders. And with all the restrictions we have to work within the rules for next year, I am glad to say that Josh ticks all the boxes.”
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EDINBURGH have snapped up Steve Worrall on a 3.00 average after he impressed at the Scottish venue late last season.Worrall finished the campaign strongly and scored 12 in a guest appearance for Ipswich at Armadale, a performance which resulted in Monarchs No.1 Craig Cook urging club bosses to make a move for him this winter.Worrall said: “I’m looking forward to joining Monarchs. Last time I was at Armadale I did very well, it was a bit of a shock to me really!“Three quarters of the way through the season (brother) Richie helped out with an engine. A lot of things contributed to it really, getting on some good equipment, the confidence grows and everything clicks into place.”
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LEWIS Bridger will return to Lakeside in 2014 for a second season at the Arena-Essex Raceway.Bridger joined the Hammers this year in a loan deal from fierce rivals Eastbourne, and club bosses expect him to build on his current 6.30 average. Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: “Lewis is an entertainer and that's the business we are in. He has so much untapped potential and we will be working hard with him to take the next step forward in his career building on a very promising debut year.”Bridger added: “I am excited by the team that Jon and Stuart (Douglas) are putting together and to be part of their plans for the future. I would like to thank all of the Lakeside fans for their support and I will be doing my best to bring you the trophy that you deserve next season. Roll on 2014, I can't wait!”
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NATIONAL League Champions Dudley have confirmed they will be back to defend their title in 2014.The former Cradley club will be spending a fifth season in the third-tier based at Monmore Green as they continue to work on attempting to secure a new venue.Chairman Nigel Pearson said: “I know there are a lot of our supporters who would like to see us in the Premier League. There is no doubt in my mind that we would have applied if we had been able to complete negotiations for a new track of our own in the Cradley and Dudley area by now.“We have to focus on developing youngsters once again as well as being competitive and challenging for honours which I think is what our supporters have come to expect.”
